History of Gymnastics

What is Gymnastics?
• The word “gymnastics” is derived from the Greek word
“gymnos”

• Gymnos- meaning naked, related to;

• Gymnazo – meaning to train naked, which then lead to:
• Gymnastics – meaning “Naked Art”
 Where it all began
• Before the proper establishment of gymnastics, exercises and
stunts relating to gymnastics were already prominent all throughout
the world. In particular most of the early gymnastics back then
were for physical training, self – defense, or religious purpose.
• The Romans had particular “apparatus” used that would work on
their balance for horseback riding , as well as combat training.
• The Chinese developed “Kung-fu” as a means of self-defense and
cultural identity.
• The Indians had “Yoga” considered to be a type of Medical
Gymnastics, and a means of spiritual enlightenment.
 Where it all began

Nobody knows where it started, how, or when, this is just how historians
predict.
According to some historians, it started in Greece 2500 years ago…..when
there was a fool who jumped over a bull and one fool saw this and tried it
better and soon enough everyone was cheering for this fool and then bull
jumping was everywhere in almost every major city in Greece. They would
hold huge events except it wasn’t just bull jumping. There was also a tightrope
walking branch swinging and tumbling and then some wise person would
choose who the winner would be and they would be considered a hero…
 Girolamo Mercuriale
(Sep. 30,1530 - Nov. 8, 1606)

Italian-born, he was one of the pioneers of early

documented gymnastics. With a primary focus on
diet, exercise, hygiene, and various forms of
medical treatment.

Published “Le Arte Gymnastica”. Widely regarded

to be the first book that properly covers the science
behind “Sports Medicine”.
Johann Friedrich GutsMuths Friedrich Ludwig Jahn
(Aug 9, 1759 – May 21, 1839) (Aug 11, 1778 – Oct 15, 1852)

Together the two developed exercises for men and young boys on apparatus they designed,
which eventually led to what is now considered to be Modern Gymnastics.
Don Francisco Amoros y Ondeano (1770- 1848) (center) – introduced educative
gymnastics all throughout France .
Whereas Jahn, started to promote the use of parallel bars, rings, and high bars in international
competitions.
 The Federation of International
Gymnastics (FIG)
• Founded in Liege, Belgium in 1881, to later move its headquarters
to Lausanne, Switzerland. it started as a regulatory body which
primarily catered to only men’s gymnastics competitions.

• In 1896, it held it’s first “modern” Olympic Games.

• Up until 1921, only three countries were members of the governing

body ( Belgium, Netherlands, and France).
• Formerly known as the European Federation of Gymnastics, it now
retains its current name after non-European countries were allowed
to participate.
 Female Participation
• By the 1920’s, the Olympics were still only allowed to be attended by
male participants.

• So the first Women’s Olympic Games were held in 1928 at

Amsterdam, Netherlands. The first games only included calisthenics,
and track and field. More sports would be later be added throughout
the following years.

• By 1954, both men and women categories of competition had been

standardized in a modern format with fair points systems and grading
structures.
 Nadia Comăneci
(Nov 12, 1961- present)

At the age of 14, Comăneci was the

first gymnast to be awarded a
perfect score of 10.0 at the Olympic
Games in Montreal, Canada.

The Romanian proceeded to win

Gold at 5 separate Olympic events,
who is still an active gymnast in the
present day.
 New Points System

• By 2006, a new scoring system was put into place for Artistic
Gymnastics. Instead of the typical (1-15) point system, a letter-
grade system was introduced to grade particular competitions
based on execution, form, and overall execution